Swerve PR Co-op Media Tours Swerve PR Co-op Media Tours
Touring major Canadian cities, these media tours are organized and promoted by Swerve Public Relations. So, what’s a co-operative media tour? The idea behind a co-op tour, is to have the participants share the costs of the tour - think airfare, hotels and other travel expenses. Each Swerve tour features 6-8 toys, and participating manufacturers pay to have their product included on the tour.
The tour focuses on toys that are poised to be big sellers: widely available and really popular. These are the toys that toy manufacturers have identified as their “key drivers” - the toys they think will attract the most consumer interest. As a result, the manufacturers have typically pumped extra resources and effort into both the development and production of the toy, as well as its marketing.
The Noise on Toys editor, Marcia MacQuarrie, is paid to act as spokesperson for the tour. And while she does not choose the toys included, each toy must meet with her approval to get a spot on the tour.
Back To School Tour: August 16-27, 2010
Anyone who’s tried to work their way through a crowded stationary aisle knows that back to school shopping is almost as big a deal as a crowded mall at the height of holiday shopping. Backpacks, notebooks, colouring pencils and glue – they’re all on the list. So of course, they’re on our list as well (see below). So are homework aids – especially toys designed to help reinforce basic academic skills.
With so many educational toys on the market these days, kids are starting school better prepared. Reading readiness is especially important, and in an age of text messaging and e-mails, kids see their parents reading and want to learn their ABCs, too. What better way to reinforce that motivation than with an e-reader designed especially for them.
But don’t forget that school isn’t just about academics. It’s where kids get together – and for most, it is the primary social interaction in their lives. Kids talk about lots of stuff on the schoolyard – and you can bet the newest toys are part of those conversations. So, a little exposure playing with those toys really helps your child stay in the conversation.
Here’s a list of the great new back to school products for 2010 featured on the August Swerve tour. For more info about each toy, just click on the name to see The Noise on Toys write-ups and links to manufacturer’s websites.